Awo Foundation Plans For Centenary Celebration

08.03.2008

THE Obafemi Awolowo Foundation has directed all individuals, groups and corporate bodies interested in taking part in the almost one-year long programme to mark the centenary birthday of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to liaise with the Foundation on the events.

A statement from the Foundation signed by the Founding Members of Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, Yeye Oodua H.I.D. Awolowo and Dr. O. Awolowo Dosumu, said in order to achieve the success befitting of such a celebration, the Foundation had taken it upon itself to act as the “coordinating agency” for the events, thus urging all others interested to contact the Foundation accordingly.

The statement in full runs thus: “As you are no doubt aware, March 6, 2009 will mark the Centenary of the birth of Papa Obafemi Awolowo.

“We are aware that, already, various groups and individuals are, like the Foundation, making plans to seize this opportunity to celebrate Papa’s legendary vision and achievements and thus ensure that this historic event is marked in the most befitting manner.

“We are truly gladdened and grateful that, almost 21 years after his transition, Papa is still remembered with such great affection and that his legacies clearly endure.

“Since those legacies are also evidently multi-faceted we envisage that, to honour them, and Papa, appropriately, the celebrations are likely to continue for the better part of twelve months, starting towards the end of this year.

“We reckon that in the manner of similar celebrations all over the world, a well-coordinated and coherent programme of activities is crucial to the success of a venture such as this.

“The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, therefore, hereby announces its readiness to act as the ‘coordinating agency’ for the organisation of the ‘Obafemi Awolowo Centenary Celebrations’.

“An exceptional team of accomplished Nigerians, who have enthusiastically embraced this project, has been put together to oversee the planning process. Their relative youth is heart-warming, and reassuring, because this affirms the enduring relevance of Papa’s unique brand of commitment and service to our nation.

“We, therefore, invite all interested parties to contact the Team so that every initiative can be appropriately incorporated into the year-long Schedule of events.

“The Team can be contacted by mail at the following address: The Obafemi Awolowo Centenary Coordinating Team, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, 28 Lanre Awolokun Road, Gbagada Phase II, Lagos; or by e-mail at centenary@awolowofoundation.orq